Oral Cancer Awareness – Early Detection Saves Lives

As a dentist in McKinney, at Serene Dentistry, we have the expert skill and training to detect many diseases of the mouth, including oral cancer.

Did you know that one American dies every hour from oral cancer? In fact, more people die from oral cancers than either cervical or skin cancer. And because two-thirds of oral cancers are discovered in the late stages of the disease, the prognosis is often poor. When discovered late, the 5-year survival rate is a frightening 55% – yet when discovered early, this rate increases to as high as 90%. It is imperative, therefore, that oral cancer is detected early, before the disease advances. That’s why we keep a keen eye for telltale signs like lumps and discoloration and conduct oral cancer screenings when you visit.

The first step in prevention is awareness. And that’s what Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April is all about.

Did you know…?

The disease is affecting more people than ever before. (53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Oral Cancer this year … and only 55% have a good 5-year survival rate.)

In its earliest most treatable stages, oral cancer usually causes no pain or discomfort.

If left undiagnosed, oral cancers can progress to more advanced stages.

If diagnosed soon enough there is an 80-90% survival rate.

We encourage everyone age 18 and older to receive an annual oral cancer screening during their regular hygiene checkup.

Oral cancer screening is performed on all adult patients at Serene Dentistry at each recall visit.

Be aware of other risk factors including a history of other cancers, past HPV infection, a weakened immune system, and Oral Lichen Planus.

Look for these telltale signs of oral health issues: mouth sores that don’t clear up within 14 days, mouth pain, thickening of the cheek lining, loose teeth, ill-fitting dentures, loss of sensation in the lips or cheeks, voice changes, bleeding in the mouth.

If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, please give us a call. In addition to helping you ensure that you are free from tooth decay and gum disease, we will give you an oral cancer screening so you can feel secure in your oral – and overall – health.

As our community slowly “opens up” on the other side of the pandemic, we’re nothing short of thrilled that we can provide much-needed dental care to you and your family.

Nothing is more important to us than protecting the health and safety of our patients, team members, and community. And to do so, we have put in place and conscientiously and systematically perform safety and sterilization protocols mandated and recommended by the CDC, OSHA, and our governing dental associations.

If you are a current patient who has missed your recare appointment due to distancing, please call us now to reschedule (if we haven’t already reached you). It’s important that your care is brought up to date as soon as possible.

If you are a new patient to us, we welcome you warmly and will fit you right in.

Thank you for your trust in us. We sincerely appreciate the privilege of serving you with excellent compassionate care.

If you have any questions, please call our practice at469-352-9859. We promise to answer your questions clearly and honestly.